Kansas Improves Patient Access to Physical Therapists

This
week APTA announced in a press release that Kansas
became the latest state to improve patient access to physical therapists. Gov
Sam Brownback signed HB 2066 into law on March 28, easing burdensome referral
requirements that impede timely care from skilled physical therapists.
Achievement of direct access in all 50 states has been a longtime and
fundamental goal of APTA.

Comments

Thank you to the KPTA Board of Directors, the Legislative Committee, and all others who helped and/or contacted their legislators for their persistent work to make this happen!

Posted by C Wisdom
on 4/5/2013 1:08 PM

And then there was was Illinois. Our politicians are too busy digging a deeper financial hole for the state, delaying a solution on the state's pension programs, and buddying up to the IL State Medical Society to relent to direct access for PT.

Posted by Greg Given
on 4/5/2013 3:53 PM

I wish Kansas would regulate state wide massage licensing!

Posted by Lance Rupert -> ANX`>O
on 4/5/2013 5:55 PM

I take every opportunity to discuss importance of direct access to physical therapy services, with my PT coworkers. I have seen and experienced it working well for the benefit of general population while working in India, prior to migrating to U.S.
I strongly advocate direct access to P T services and also
Prefix of Dr. for Physical Therapist's name.Congratulations to my PT friends in Kansas state.
Sanjay Patil, PT

Posted by Sanjay Patil
on 4/6/2013 12:16 AM

Why would a PT seek a referral from someone else if a patient was not progressing as the Kansas statute requires? A why would anyone grant such permission to continue ineffective treatment. From the APTA press release: If the patient is not progressing toward such goals within 10 visits or 15 business days, treatment may continue after the physical therapist obtains a referral from a physician or other appropriate licensed health care practitioner.